• Overview

  • The Belgium–Netherlands border separates Belgium and the Netherlands and is 450 km (280 mi) long. Belgium and the Netherlands are part of the Schengen Area. ... At the Dutch side, the border is shared by three provinces: Zeeland, North Brabant and Limburg.

    Best Hotels in Netherlands And Belgium

    • Hotel NH Brussels Bloom
    • Hotel NH Brussels EU Berlaymont
    • Steigenberger Wiltcher's
    • Hotel Amigo
    • Tangla Hotel Brussels

    Best Restaurants in Netherlands And Belgium

    • Beluga
    • De Kas
    • Spectrum
    • Ciel Bleu
    • Bord’Eau

    Entertainment Places to Visit in Netherlands And Belgium

    • Atomium
    • Mini-Europe
    • Grand Place
    • Gravensteen
    • Parc du Cinquantenaire

• Itinerary

  • Day 1

    10:00am-12:00pm : Amsterdam

    12:30pm-1:30pm : Red Light District

    For a view into another world, explore the infamous Red Light District, named for its bright red brothel lights. Though these districts are known around the world for hosting (in this case, legal) prostitution, sex theaters, and sex shops, this particular area has become an incredibly popular tourist destination. Explore the city's De Wallen neighborhood, which is home to its oldest and largest red-light district. De Wallen has been a popular place for prostitution since the 13th century, when the Damrak became a harbor. Walk along the canal in the evening, take in the novel sights and signs, and notice the typical 14th-century Dutch architecture in this historical district. There can be sites in this area that are not appropriate for children.

    2:00pm-4:00pm : The Jordaan

    Explore one of the capital city's historical neighborhoods, The Jordaan, known for its small, winding streets and cultural sites. This was a working-class and emigrant district in the 17th century but is now a popular neighborhood for young entrepreneurs, artists, and students. Discover art galleries, boutiques, pubs, and cafes throughout the charming quarter, where many significant figures in Dutch history, such as writer Joost van Vondel and artist Rembrandt, once resided. Visit Rembrandt's grave at Westerkerk church, the Anne Frank House, and many other important sites. View art studios, courtyards, and stone tablets, for which the quarter is famous.

    4:30pm-5:30pm : Anne Frank House

    Discover the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her noteworthy diary during World War II at Anne Frank House. This home site and museum sits inside a 17th-century canal house in the center of Amsterdam. Since it opened to the public in 1960, this museum has inspired and educated visitors from around the world, many of whom were greatly affected by reading the published diary of Anne Frank. Step behind the bookcase that disguised the famous secret annex where Frank's family hid from the Nazis during the Holocaust. Get a sense of what young Anne's experience was like during those two years before she and her family were discovered and sent to concentration camps.

    Day 2

    10:00am-12:00pm : Van Gogh Museum

    Art enthusiasts and van Gogh fans will adore visiting the largest collection of the Dutch artist's work at Van Gogh Museum. This museum opened in 1973 and today is one of the most visited in the world, attracting 1.4 million visitors in 2013. Wander through the site's permanent exhibit, which contains a vast selection of van Gogh's works, with about 200 paintings and 600 drawings in total. Study his most significant pieces, including "The Potato Eaters" (1885), "Sunflowers" (1889), and nine of his self-portraits. You'll have the opportunity to view several works of van Gogh's Impressionist and post-Impressionist contemporaries as well, such as Monet and Manet, plus visiting exhibits.

    12:30pm-3:00pm : Rijksmuseum

    Committed to preserving and displaying the art and history of the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum holds masterpieces from some of the country's most prominent artists. This museum was founded in 1800 and moved to its current location in 1808. Since this time, it has acquired more than 1 million objects and artifacts, 8,000 of which are currently on display. Take a moment to notice the restored architecture of the museum before entering. Walk through 800 years of Dutch history, including an impressive collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age featuring the works of Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, and others. Walk down the Hall of Fame to the Night Watch room to view Rembrandt's masterpiece "The Night Watch." Enjoy the Asian collection and Asian Pavilion, built in 2013.

    3:30pm-4:30pm : Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam

    Witness the history of Dutch resistance to German occupation during World War II at Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. This site tells the story of the Netherlands and its people from May 1940 to May 1945, when Nazi forces occupied the country. Discover the museum's permanent exhibit, which recreates everyday life for Dutch people in the 1930s and 1940s. Experience the feeling of walking down German-occupied streets in the Netherlands, and learn about small acts of resistance and larger historical moments of opposition during this time. Every country has its own piece of World War II history to share, and this museum is a wonderful place to learn about the Dutch perspective.

    5:00pm-6:00pm : Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)

    Celebrate the life and career of famous Dutch artist Rembrandt at Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House), a home where he spent more than two decades. Rembrandt lived and painted in this house from 1639 to 1658. Today you can visit the museum and home, which was remodeled to reflect how it would have looked when Rembrandt lived there. Walk through a replica of his bedroom, view his collection of artifacts from around the world, and see many of his prominent works on display. You can also take a guided tour, participate in a print-making workshop, or watch an etching and paint-preparation demonstration.

    Day 3

    12:30pm-1:30pm : Church of Our Lady Bruges

    Discover Michelangelo's world-famous sculpture, "Madonna and Child," in Church of Our Lady Bruges. Michelangelo created the sculpture, carved from white marble, in about 1504, and it found its home in this church in 1514. With a tower 122.3 m (401.25 ft) tall, the ornate church is the tallest building in the Bruges. Along with "Madonna and Child," the church features many works of religious art, as well the tombs of several prominent figures in the city's history. You can admire the bronze effigies of Valois, Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter, Duchess Mary, alongside the tomb of Charles the Bold.

    2:00pm-3:00pm : Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan

    At Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, find out how beer was made in the old days and how brewing has changed with the help of modern technology. A guided brewery tour--available in English, French, Dutch, and Flemish--will take you through low doorways, up and down ladders, and along steep and narrow stairways. In addition to boosting your beer knowledge, you might learn a thing or two about Belgian culture. Pause on the rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of the city, and cap off your visit with a glass of vintage beer at the bar.

    3:30pm-6:00pm : Historic Centre of Brugge

    Step into Old World charm in Historic Centre of Brugge. Once a medieval settlement, this quiet city center still features preserved Gothic buildings and was at one time considered to be a major commercial city, due mainly to its port. Walk the cobbled streets to find endless chocolate shops, pubs featuring doubles and triples, and a mix of architectural styles. View the historic city on a boat tour through the canals, or sit back during a carriage ride through the canal-lined streets. If you've seen the film "In Bruges," you may want to take a guided tour, which can pinpoint major locations from the film.

    Day 4

    10:00am-11:00am : Minnewater Lake

    Take in a view of the city from the bridge in Minnewater Lake. The lake and its park act as an entrance to the city and are home to many swans, a symbol of Bruges. The lake's name translates roughly to "lake of love," and its canals are cozy and romantic. The calm waters contain near-perfect reflections of the trees and buildings that surround the lake. Spend some quiet time in this picturesque park enjoying the beautiful scenery and the wild swans and other birds.

    11:30am-12:00pm : Cathedrale Saint Sauveur de Bruges

    View artwork from different periods of Belgium's history at Cathedrale Saint Sauveur de Bruges, one of the city's most significant churches. While the first parish church was established here in the 10th century, the oldest remaining part of today's 19th-century Romanesque structure is the foundation of the tower, dating back to the 12th century. When you enter, look for the handwoven wall carpets from the 18th century; further inside, look for the 15th-century altarpieces and the 16th-century podium in the choir. Look up to see the arched buttresses and wood carving. This centrally located church is a good stop on any walking tour of the city.

    12:30pm-1:30pm : Burg Square

    It's hard to miss Burg Square, the site of the city hall and bustling cafes. The attraction has been an administration hub since its construction. The 1376 city hall building is known as one of the Bruges' most beautiful landmarks, but it has some competition in the square with Charlemagne's cathedral and the Renaissance civil registry. In fact, almost every era of European architecture is represented in the surrounding buildings. Sit down at one of the cafes to people-watch against the backdrop of grandiose buildings and monuments.

    2:00pm-3:00pm : The Markt

    With landmark buildings and statues of important figures, The Markt sits at the heart of Bruges' historical center. Covering only about 1 hectare (2.5 acres), the main square features the Neo-Gothic provincial court, and the belfry tower, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Because the square is mostly closed to cars, city celebrations often take place here. In the center of the square, you'll see the statues of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, local heroes who are honored for their role in the Flemish resistance against the French king in 1302. Admire the tall bell tower and the Flemish architecture. You'll find plenty of restaurants surrounding the square, but for quality food at lower prices, choose some place just a short walk from the square.

    Day 5

    10:00am-11:00pm : Basilica of the Holy Blood

    Basilica of the Holy Blood is best known for containing the relic of the Holy Blood, a cloth alleged to have Christ's blood on it. The relic dates to 1150, when Derrick of Alsace, the Count of Flanders, received the relic as a reward for his heroism during the second crusade. Built in the 12th century, this is the only Romanesque-style church in Bruges. The upper chapel has been renovated several times in a Gothic Revival style. Enter the lower chapel to view the ornate naves, sculptures, and relics dedicated to several saints. Climb the Renaissance-style staircase to the upper chapel, where you'll find the relic of the Holy Blood.

    11:30pm-12:30pm : Belfry of Bruges

    A symbolic landmark in Bruges, Belfry of Bruges represent a medieval bell tower in the historical center of town. The market hall and an inner courtyard stand behind the bell tower. Formerly home to the treasury and municipal archives, the bell tower now offers a view of Bruges from above. Climb the 366 steep steps to reach the tower's top and reap the reward of seeing the grid of canals from this vantage point. Listen to the 47 bells chime on the quarter hour as you hike your way to the top. The tower played a central role in the film "In Bruges."

    1:00pm-3:00pm : The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde

    Enjoy the tranquillity of The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, a religious community seemingly frozen in time. This particular beguinage was founded in 1245 and housed the beguines of Bruges up until 1937. Today, the community is a monastery for Benedictine nuns. At a time when official religious institutions distrusted the new religious orders coming into being, a beguine was a safe community where female followers lived together, much like nuns but without the strict vows. Take a quiet stroll through the streets past rows of identical white homes. Wander to the southern end, where some of the houses date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. In the left corner behind the garden, you'll find the largest house, which would have housed the grand dame.

    4:30pm-6:00pm : Brussels

    Day 6

    10:00am-12:00pm : Sonian Forest

    The Sonian Forest or Sonian Wood (Dutch: Zoniënwoud, French: Forêt de Soignes) is a 4,421-hectare (10,920-acre) forest at the southeast edge of Brussels, Belgium. The Sonian Forest was a favorite hunting ground of the Habsburg Imperial family, and as such features prominently in some famous Renaissance works of art such as the Hunts of Maximilian tapestries in the Louvre. The forest lies in the Flemish municipalities of Sint-Genesius-Rode, Hoeilaart, Overijse, and Tervuren, in the Brussels-Capital Region municipalities of Uccle, Watermael-Boitsfort, Auderghem, and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, and in the Walloon towns of La Hulpe and Waterloo. Thus, it stretches out over the three Belgian Regions.

    1:30pm-4:30pm : Etangs d'Ixelles

    Relax and rejuvenate with a trip to Etangs d'Ixelles, two freshwater ponds amid the gardens of the Abbey of La Cambre. The ponds have some historical and eclectic neighbors--chiefly the 19th-century, characteristically red-brick houses, but also those in the styles of Flemish neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. Neoclassical facades and the tip of the first pond signify the start of the residential neighborhood. Lush greenery and trees surround the ponds, but visitors are not permitted to sit on the lawns. Contact with the water is also strictly prohibited, so admire from afar.

    Day 7

    10:00pm-12:30pm : Cantillon Brewery

    Try a family recipe for Iambic brews at Cantillon Brewery, where beer has been brewed since 1900. The family-owned brewery has made beer the same way since the early 20th century, except for the addition of organic ingredients in 1999. The lambic is Belgium's specialty beer, which uses uncontrolled fermentation from local yeast varieties. The beverage that this creates sometimes looks foggy and has a sweet, smooth flavor. Learn how three types of lambic are brewed: kriek, faro, and gueuze. Taste one, or all, after a brewery tour. Individual tours are available at any time throughout the day, and the small admission fee includes a free glass of beer. Additional glasses of beer cost a few extra euros.

    1:00pm-4:30pm : Manneken Pis

    A curiously famous landmark, Manneken Pis depicts a small bronze boy urinating into a fountain. The history behind the statue is contested, with several different legends surrounding the naked boy. Brussels artist Jerome Duquesnoy designed the sculpture in 1619, but because of many thefts over the years, the original statute today sits in the Maison du Roi/Broodhuis in Grand Place. Just a short walk from the main square, you'll know you're getting close when the souvenir shops feature larger-than-life versions of the landmark sculpture. At only 61 cm (24 in), this small sculpture has garnered huge attention, even having a chain of French-fry shops named after him. The little boy is dressed regularly in the attire of an organ builder, mayor of Brussels, and judo practitioner. Visit his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, squatting in a street nearby.

    5:00pm-6:00pm : Grand Place

    The center of Brussels, Grand Place forms an imposing square with opulent buildings, including the city hall. Dating back to 1523, the city's main square was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. Take in the grand architecture of the guild halls, and a tour of city hall. The square houses the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Brewers Museum, both of which give a good impression of the essence of Brussels. Despite its relatively small size, the square attracts more visitors than any other attraction in the European capital. Also there, Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles.

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